The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver was the subject of widespread criticism after he went on a sideline tirade during Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, but the audiotape of his comments show he mainly was trying to fire up his team.

In the profanity-laced rant, Bryant also asked Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo to throw him the ball more often, though that hardly distinguishes him from most pass-catchers in the NFL.

Following the game, Cowboys teammates and management stood behind Bryant, saying he was being positive, and the tape backs up their assertion.

"We good on that, Tony!" Bryant screamed at Romo in the tape released by NFL.com. "We the best in the NFL on that. We the best in the NFL!"

Other comments, as transcribed by USA Today, included: "We can't let them do that! These (expletive) (unclear). They're manning me the (expletive) up. We destroy that!"

Bryant finished with three catches for 72 yards and two touchdowns during the Cowboys' 31-30 loss to the Lions.